Shohei Ohtani's injuries drive Dodgers' trade interest in pitcher Tarik Skubal

Shohei Ohtani Los Angeles Dodgers knee injury Tarik Skubal trade lead‑off home run

Shohei Ohtani is dealing with left‑knee inflammation and right‑biceps soreness, preventing him from pitching since July 3, 2026. He remains in the lineup as a designated hitter and on July 29 hit his 10th leadoff home run of the season – the 23rd of the year – a 432‑foot shot that tied him with Davey Lopes for second‑most lead‑off homers in Dodgers history.

Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani is unlikely to return to the mound before the postseason, suggesting a possible 10‑day injured‑list stint. The uncertainty over his availability has prompted the Dodgers to increase interest in acquiring Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal before the July 31 trade deadline. The club hopes a new starter would shore up the rotation for a potential three‑peat.

Ohtani was also omitted from the 2026 Cy Young Award ballot, receiving no votes, despite posting an 8–2 record, 1.79 ERA, 85.2 innings, 95 strikeouts and a .95 WHIP in 14 starts. His offensive production remains elite, with a .286 average, .924 OPS and 5.8 WAR.

Entities

Dave Roberts · Los Angeles Dodgers · Seattle Mariners · Shohei Ohtani · Tarik Skubal

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Shohei Ohtani hit his 23rd home run of the 2026 season on July 29, 2026. sports.ettoday.net · www.fnn.jp · www.tokyo-sports.co.jp · news.nextapple.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ohtani was excluded from the 2026 Cy Young Award candidate list, receiving zero votes. qoly.jp
[● 2 SOURCES] Ohtani's home run traveled approximately 432 feet (131.7 m). www.tokyo-sports.co.jp · news.nextapple.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Trade rumors involving Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández sparked fan reaction.
[DISPUTED] Ohtani recorded three hits and three RBIs in the game, which the Dodgers lost 7‑6 to the Seattle Mariners. sports.ettoday.net · www.fnn.jp · www.tokyo-sports.co.jp
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ohtani has been sidelined from pitching due to left‑knee inflammation and missed the All‑Star Game. qoly.jp
[○ 1 SOURCE] Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani is unlikely to pitch again before October. qoly.jp
[● 2 SOURCES] The home run was Ohtani's 10th leadoff homer of the season. www.fnn.jp · www.tokyo-sports.co.jp
[● 5 SOURCES] Shohei Ohtani hit his 23rd home run of the 2026 season on July 29, 2026, as a leadoff batter. kaigai.ch · sports.ettoday.net · www.fnn.jp · www.tokyo-sports.co.jp · news.nextapple.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani is unlikely to pitch again until October. qoly.jp
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ohtani has not pitched since early July because of left‑knee inflammation and was omitted from the 2026 Cy Young Award ballot, receiving zero votes. qoly.jp
[○ 1 SOURCE] Trade rumors about outfielder Teoscar Hernández have stirred mixed reactions among Dodgers fans.